Question

a) A researcher is interested in exploring patterns of communication among local junior football coaches. She decides to use a qualitative approach as she believes that this will provide her with a deeper understanding of the contextual factors that influence coach communications however she is uncertain about what method of data collection to use. Choose one method of data collection that you would recommend the researcher use; briefly describe how this method of data collection could be used by the researcher; and indicate one advantage and one disadvantage / consideration associated with this method of data collection.

b) Braun and Clarke (2006) summarise thematic analysis according to six phases. The first of these phases (i.e., Phase 1) is titled ‘familiarizing yourself with your data’. Reflecting on this phase: 1) summarise the key activities a researcher would perform during this phase; and 2) identify any challenge(s) associated with performing these activities.

c) It is important for qualitative researchers to provide evidence of the trustworthiness of their study. Briefly describe three techniques that could be used by a researcher to increase the trustworthiness of their data and conclusions.

Answer 1

(a)

1.

Ethnographic research: Ethnographic research is the most in-depth observational method that studies people in their naturally occurring environment.The researchers are required to adapt to the target audiences’ environments which could be anywhere from an organization to a city or any remote location.

This research design aims to understand the cultures, challenges, motivations, and settings that occur. Instead of relying on interviews and discussions.

Pros:-

• Investigates Complex Issues

• A Voice for Understanding

• preciseness of the information which could be affected either by the way the researcher records information, or by the participants themselves

• regarding the research process So useful in final result, the complexity and accuracy of the information.

• first hand data

Cons:-

• challenging and a time-consuming method
• solely depends on the expertise of the researcher to be able to analyze, observe and infer the data.

• Expensive, Protracted and Difficult

• time-consuming, requires sustained effort and engagement

• personal safety of the researcher in peril

• Ethics Concerns

2.

One-on-One Interview: It is a personal interview that is carried out with one respondent at a time. This is purely a conversational method and invites opportunities to get details in depth from the respondent.When the in-depth interview is conducted face to face it gives a better opportunity to read the body language of the respondents and match the responses.

Advantages:-

• great opportunity to gather precise data about what people believe and what their motivations are.
• collect meaningful data.
• If researchers need more information the researchers should ask such follow up questions that will help them collect more information.
• Accurate screening
• Capture verbal and non-verbal ques.
• Keep focus.
• Capture emotions and behaviors

Disadvantages:-

• Cost. They require a staff of people to conduct the interviews,
• Quality of data by interviewer. The quality of data you receive will often depend on the ability of the interviewer.
• Manual data entry. If the interview is administered on paper, the data collected will need to be entered manually, or scanned, if a scannable interview questionnaire is created.
• Limit sample size. The size of the sample is limited to the size of your interviewing staff, the area in which the interviews are conducted, and the number of qualified respondents within that area.